Canada•North AmericaInternational Experience Canada - Working Holiday
At a Glance
Processing Time
28-56 days
Application Fee
275 CAD
Stay Duration
1 to 2 years
Renewable
Varies
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Not Specified
PR Pathway
No
This visa does not offer a direct route to permanent residency.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Youth mobility program allowing young adults (18-35) from eligible countries to work and travel in Canada. Open work permit valid up to 2 years depending on country agreements.
International Experience Canada (IEC) is a government-to-government youth mobility program allowing young people from partner countries to work and travel in Canada. The program operates through youth mobility agreements and offers flexible work authorization.
Annual Visa Allocation
90,000 visas per year
The global target for all International Experience Canada categories was 90,000 for the 2024 season. Individual quotas are established via bilateral youth mobility agreements with partner countries and territories. Invitations are issued in rounds from pools of candidates, and unused quotas do not roll over to subsequent years.
Lottery system applies when oversubscribed
Check Your Eligibility
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Savings
2,500 EUR
Personal
Passport Validity
1 day
Criminal Record Policy
case_by_case
Eligible Nationalities
This visa is available to citizens of: AD, AU, AT, BE, CL, CR, HR, CZ, DK, EE, FI, FR, DE, GR, HK, IS, IE, IT, JP, KR, LV, LT, LU, NL, NZ, NO, PL, PT, SM, SK, SI, ES, SE, TW, GB, UA
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Valid for duration of program
Proof of funds
At least CAD $2,500
Proof of return
Return ticket or funds to purchase
Health insurance
Coverage for stay in Canada
Police certificate
If required by IRCC
OptionalTrack your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Open work authorization (work for any employer)
- Extended stay duration (up to 2 years)
- Relatively low cost compared to other work permits
- Popular pathway for gaining Canadian experience
- Can work and travel freely
- Access to public healthcare in most provinces
Considerations
- Age restricted (18-35 years old)
- Only available from eligible countries
- Lottery-based selection for high-demand countries
- No pathway to permanent residency
- Limited to young adults
Application Process
Check eligibility
Confirm your country has youth mobility agreement with Canada and you are 18-35
Select stream
Choose between Working Holiday, International Internship, or Young Professionals (if available for your country)
Gather documents
Collect passport, proof of financial support (CAD $2,500), and travel plans
Create account
Register on International Experience Canada portal
Submit expression of interest
Express interest in program (lottery-based for some countries)
Receive invitation
If selected, receive invitation to apply
Complete full application
Submit detailed application with all documents
Pay fee
Pay CAD $275 processing fee plus CAD $100 open work permit holder fee
Receive work permit
Receive open work permit and arrive in Canada
Application Forms
International Experience Canada Work Permit Application
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